Top 10 Countries with highest alcohol intake in Africa

By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)

Alcohol, a widely consumed beverage with significant cultural resonance, holds a prominent position in human history, especially in African continent.

While some societies embrace its consumption as a source of enjoyment, others regard excessive drinking as morally objectionable.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO), released a comprehensive report on the global status of alcohol in order to help countries tackle the harmful intake of alcohol and also avoid its negative effect.

These are the top 10 African countries with the highest alcohol consumption, shedding light on the social and economic factors that shape drinking habits across the continent.

10. Seychelles

With its consumption at 9.48 per capita, Seychelles has the highest alcohol consumption rate amongst other African countries.

You will find bars and resorts serving locally-made rum as well as imported wines catering to both locals and tourists.

9. Tanzania

Tanzania’s diverse ethnic groups contribute to the country’s rich drinking traditions.

At the coastal regions they drink “mnazi” (coconut palmwine), while inland, banana beer is brewed for ceremonial occasions. Tanzania consume alcohol at a rate of 7.81 per capital.

8. Eswatini Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini has the highest levels of alcohol intake due to cultural traditions, limited regulations and other social economic factors.

Eswatini’s alcohol consumption stands at 7.81 per capital, with the traditional brews like “umqombothi” commonly served at special events.

7. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso gained her independence from France in 1960 was originally known as Upper Volta before adopting its current name in 1984.

In Burkina Faso, many people drink alot of alcohol because it is a big part of their culture and easy to find.

Local alcohol beverage like “Dolo” “Tchoukoutou” and “Banji” are served in a social gathering, ceromonies and festivals in Burkina Faso alongside commercially produce beers and imported spirits. Burkina Faso’s consumption rate stands at 7.28 per capita.

6. South Africa

South Africa is one of the African countries famous for its wine and beer. With its alcohol consumption at 7.21 per capita, It is famous for its big wine regions where people go on tours and in cities like Cape Town where festivals are dedicated to trying different beers)

5. Uganda

In Uganda, drinking alcohol is a big part of their culture. They have locally made drinks called “malwa” they usually share with friends. Even in the city of Kampala, nightlife revolves around alcohol. Uganda’s alcohol consumption is 6.82 per capita.

4. Gabon

Gabon is one of the countries where people drink the most in Africa. They have their traditional drinks but import a lot of alcohol.

Gabon’s alcohol consumption stands at 6.47 per capita.

3. Rwanda

Rwanda’s drinking culture is growing alongside its economy.

With the growing drinking culture and a consumption rate of 6.35per capita, Rwanda sees the dominance of local beer like “sokol and primus”, along with the emergence of craft breweries.

2. Equatorial Guinea

In Equatorial Guinea, local alcohol beverages like “Malambo ” Nkoko” and Rumbot” are commonly enjoyed alongside commercially produced beers and imported spirits.

Guinea’s alcohol consumption rate stands at 6.11 per capita and is influenced by social, economic and cultural factors.

1. Botswana

With a consumption rate of 5.8 per capita, Botswana’s drinking scene reflects a mix of traditional drinks like “bojalwa” in rural areas and imported beverages in urban centres, monitoring the country’s progress and prosperity.

-9News Nigeria.